Dubai : Nashra Sandhu produced a sensational, record-breaking six-wicket haul to spearhead Pakistan’s bowling attack as they bowled Hong Kong out for just 71 runs and sealed a commanding 72-run victory. With this emphatic win, Pakistan secured their place in the Women’s Asia Cup semi-final following the 11th match of the T20 Asia Cup 2026 at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai on Monday, September 7.
After opting to bat first, Pakistan posted 143/8 on a tricky surface, with Shawal Zulfiqar (47 off 35) delivering a standout performance with her fluent knock, while Ayesha Zafar (26 off 19) and Fatima Sana (24 off 24) also made valuable contributions to help Pakistan post a competitive total. Hong Kong’s Joyleen Kaur impressed with the ball, claiming excellent figures of 4/19. However, the innings was truly dedicated to Nashra Sandhu’s explosive and historic performance. Her remarkable figures of 6/7 completely dismantled Hong Kong’s chase, triggering a dramatic batting collapse as they were bowled out for just 71 in 19 overs, Pakistan sealed a commanding 72-run victory.
The match began with Pakistan winning the toss and electing to bat first. They made a positive start but suffered two early setbacks, with Muneeba Ali (6 off 7) and Gull Feroza (3 off 4) losing their wickets before Shawal Zulfiqar and Ayesha Zafar stepped up to steady the innings, as Pakistan reached 50/2 at the end of the powerplay. The duo stitched together a crucial 47-run partnership off 34 balls for the third wicket before Joyleen Kaur dismissed both batters. Ayesha Zafar scored a valuable 26 off 19 balls, striking some attacking boundaries before losing her wicket, while Shawal Zulfiqar played a fluent 47 off 35 balls, narrowly missing out on a half-century and finishing as Pakistan’s top scorer. Joyleen Kaur continued her superb spell, dismissing Sadaf Shams (5 off 8) and Eyman Fatima (1 off 2) in the same over. She completed an impressive four-wicket haul, finishing with excellent figures of 4/19. Captain Fatima Sana (24 off 24), along with Tuba Hassan (14 off 13), provided valuable lower-order support. The pair added a crucial 26-run partnership before Kary Chan dismissed Tuba Hassan. Sana remained unbeaten and struck a timely six in the final over as Pakistan finished with a competitive 143/8 after 20 overs.
Chasing a target of 144, Hong Kong endured a difficult start as they lost both their openers, with Mariko Hill dismissed for a duck and Natasha Miles falling for just one run, leaving Hong Kong struggling at 1/2. Yasmin Daswani (13 off 18) and Kary Chan (30 off 37) then attempted to rebuild the innings, stitching together a crucial 31-run partnership off 44 balls for the third wicket. However, Nashra Sandhu came into the attack and broke the partnership by dismissing Daswani, putting Hong Kong under further pressure. Hong Kong then endured a dramatic batting collapse as Nashra Sandhu unleashed a devastating spell. She removed Marina Lamplough (2 off 8) and Maryam Bibi (2 off 3) before producing another stunning over, claiming three wickets in quick succession. Sandhu dismissed Shanzeen Shahzad and Mei Wai Alison Siu Booth for ducks in consecutive deliveries, completing her maiden five-wicket haul in T20Is. She then added another wicket to complete an electrifying six-wicket haul, finishing with brilliant figures of 6/7 from her four overs. The remarkable spell made her the first Pakistan player to claim a six-wicket haul in Women’s T20Is. As wickets continued to tumble, Kary Chan stood firm and fought hard, scoring 30 runs and offering some resistance with four boundaries. Ayesha Zafar eventually dismissed Chan as Hong Kong’s hopes faded, while Umme Hani claimed the final wicket of Joyleen Kaur. Hong Kong were bowled out for just 71 runs in 19 overs. Pakistan secured a comprehensive 72-run victory, while the defeat brought Hong Kong’s Asia Cup 2026 campaign to an end.
Nashra Sandhu was deservedly named the Player of the Match for her record-breaking performance. Her sensational six-wicket haul not only powered Pakistan to a comprehensive victory but also etched her name into the history of Pakistan women’s cricket with a remarkable bowling display. With a comprehensive victory in their final Group A match, Pakistan have now advanced to the semi-finals, where they will face Sri Lanka in the second semi-final on Friday, September 11.
